Monthly Archives: November, 2007
Hawaii Superferry readying for protests
Posted in Maui news
As the Hawaii Superferry prepares to sail again after winning challenges in court and at the state Capitol, the company now faces its most daunting obstacle -- more protests in the water. The Coast Guard has been thrust into the middle of the emotional showdown and is now being forced into the difficult, unusual and possibly dangerous task of arresting Americans. Coast Guard personnel previously failed to provide safe passage for the vessel as protesters heckled and splashed them with water. But the Coast Guard has repeatedly warned it will take immediate action next time around.
Public meeting on Kihei beach park closures
Posted in Maui news
The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation will host a community meeting to seek public input on park closing hours in the Kihei area; the meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kihei Community Center on Lipoa Street.
Representatives from the County Parks and Recreation Dept., Maui Police Dept., Corporation Counsel, Maui County Council, Maui Tomorrow and the Ohana Coalition will be present to express their respective positions. The community meeting, which will be facilitated by Parks Dept. administrative staff member Sue Kiang, will allow participants to explore the topic more thoroughly in break-out groups.
"Due to public interest in extending the hours at some parks, we are initiating a community partnership to examine the request," said Tamara Horcajo, Dept. of Parks and Recreation director. "We look forward to establishing a working relationship with interested citizens to determine the most appropriate times and places for consideration."
For more information, contact the Maui County Dept. of Parks and Recreation at 270-7626.
Representatives from the County Parks and Recreation Dept., Maui Police Dept., Corporation Counsel, Maui County Council, Maui Tomorrow and the Ohana Coalition will be present to express their respective positions. The community meeting, which will be facilitated by Parks Dept. administrative staff member Sue Kiang, will allow participants to explore the topic more thoroughly in break-out groups.
"Due to public interest in extending the hours at some parks, we are initiating a community partnership to examine the request," said Tamara Horcajo, Dept. of Parks and Recreation director. "We look forward to establishing a working relationship with interested citizens to determine the most appropriate times and places for consideration."
For more information, contact the Maui County Dept. of Parks and Recreation at 270-7626.
1st Annual Maui Water Resources Forum
Posted in Maui news
UH-Maui Community College will be hosting the 1st Annual Maui Water Resources Forum on the MCC Campus December 7th-8th.
The event will be an educational forum intended to raise the Maui community's awareness and understanding of the complexities surrounding our island's water resources. The event will bring together entities and individuals from the public, private, and non-profit sectors of Maui in order to present the multiple perspectives and major issues associated with water resources on Maui.
Attendance to the event is open to the public. Food and light entertainment will be provided. Please contact Alex de Roode with the Sustainable Living Insitute of Maui (SLIM) regarding attendance, participation, and sponsorship opportunities. A detailed agenda for the event will be posted shortly.
Aloha and mahalo,
Alex de Roode
Executive Director
Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM) www.sustainablemaui.org
E-mail: deroode@hawaii.edu
+1 (808) 984-3379 (office)
+1 (808) 268-7589 (cell)
The event will be an educational forum intended to raise the Maui community's awareness and understanding of the complexities surrounding our island's water resources. The event will bring together entities and individuals from the public, private, and non-profit sectors of Maui in order to present the multiple perspectives and major issues associated with water resources on Maui.
Attendance to the event is open to the public. Food and light entertainment will be provided. Please contact Alex de Roode with the Sustainable Living Insitute of Maui (SLIM) regarding attendance, participation, and sponsorship opportunities. A detailed agenda for the event will be posted shortly.
Aloha and mahalo,
Alex de Roode
Executive Director
Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM) www.sustainablemaui.org
E-mail: deroode@hawaii.edu
+1 (808) 984-3379 (office)
+1 (808) 268-7589 (cell)
Molina says committee will vote on Honua’ula
Posted in Maui news
Maui County Council Land Use Chairman Mike Molina said Thursday that his committee should be prepared to vote next week on whether to approve or disapprove the zoning request for the Honua'ula project district. He announced his intention to close months of deliberation on the proposed project when the Land Use Committee reconvenes beginning Tuesday evening.
"In my opinion, I think we've reached the saturation point," Molina said, referring to piles of documents and countless hours of debate and questions over the proposed 1,400-unit project district in South Maui.
"In my opinion, I think we've reached the saturation point," Molina said, referring to piles of documents and countless hours of debate and questions over the proposed 1,400-unit project district in South Maui.
Workshop: Let’s Plan our Island’s Future
Posted in Maui news
This Tuesday, November 13, the Kula Community Association's General Meeting will have an exciting program, "Let's Plan our Island's Future" at the Kula Community Center from 7pm - 9pm. We encourage you to get involved.
Since the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) is developing Maui Island's General Plan during the next few months, most of the evening will be devoted to involving participants in a workshop to explore our island's preferred future. The input of participants will assist the Kula Community Association Board in making it's recommendations to the General Plan Advisory Committee.
The audience will break up into groups to explore important issues, such as: desired types of communities, transportation, affordable and senior housing, water-use, location of future developments, agricultural lands, preservation of a high quality environment, and conversion of lands to more intensive uses. Hopefully, the groups will be able to make some useful recommendations or formulate helpful guidelines.
KCA Board and GPAC Member Dick Mayer is expecting to hear from participants as to what are their priorities. 'We need to know what the residents want the future of Maui to be like." The participants will also be asked to describe additional issues that could be the subject for further discussion.
Kula Community Association Vice-President Gina Flammer said, "Let's not have others tell us what changes should take place and what are the important issues. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our upcountry residents to look at planning issues that will go beyond the upcountry region to cover our whole island."
The Kula Community Association seeks to encourage both a deeper understanding of changes taking place on Maui and the creation of plans to prepare for our island's future. It should be both an educational and pleasant evening with your neighbors! The usual great refreshments will be served. Call 878-1874 for information.
Since the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) is developing Maui Island's General Plan during the next few months, most of the evening will be devoted to involving participants in a workshop to explore our island's preferred future. The input of participants will assist the Kula Community Association Board in making it's recommendations to the General Plan Advisory Committee.
The audience will break up into groups to explore important issues, such as: desired types of communities, transportation, affordable and senior housing, water-use, location of future developments, agricultural lands, preservation of a high quality environment, and conversion of lands to more intensive uses. Hopefully, the groups will be able to make some useful recommendations or formulate helpful guidelines.
KCA Board and GPAC Member Dick Mayer is expecting to hear from participants as to what are their priorities. 'We need to know what the residents want the future of Maui to be like." The participants will also be asked to describe additional issues that could be the subject for further discussion.
Kula Community Association Vice-President Gina Flammer said, "Let's not have others tell us what changes should take place and what are the important issues. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our upcountry residents to look at planning issues that will go beyond the upcountry region to cover our whole island."
The Kula Community Association seeks to encourage both a deeper understanding of changes taking place on Maui and the creation of plans to prepare for our island's future. It should be both an educational and pleasant evening with your neighbors! The usual great refreshments will be served. Call 878-1874 for information.
Panel to discuss ag subdivisions reviews
Posted in Maui news
A bill to require County Council review of all agricultural subdivisions will be discussed at a council Planning Committee session at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 in the Council Chambers, Planning Chairwoman Gladys Baisa said. The committee will also consider whether a county policy is needed on agricultural tourism and will include a review of a law on the subject passed by the state Legislature. Information on the committee agenda is available by calling the committee staff at 270-7663.
Renewable not the same as sustainable
Posted in Maui news
As Maui rushes to embrace alternative energy, a local group has formed to push a bottom-up approach to sustainability. Kelly King, who put together the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, presented it to about 20 people at a meeting of the Kahului Kiwanis Club this week. At the heart of her view is the distinction between "renewable" and "sustainable."
"Renewable energy isn't always sustainable. People are starting to figure that out," King said.
"Renewable energy isn't always sustainable. People are starting to figure that out," King said.
Winds of change blow for Maui’s energy future
Posted in Maui news
Hawai'i relies on imported fuels more than any other U.S. state, with about 90 percent of energy production coming from imported petroleum. This should serve as a poignant reminder for residents that Hawai'i is geographically vulnerable and needs to pursue locally abundant renewable resources like solar and wind power.
These are among the topics for discussion at the Maui County Energy Expo 2007, to be held Nov. 7-9 at the Grand Wailea Hotel & Spa. The symposium, titled "Green Power, Green Future," should provide an informative forum of current and proposed energy solutions, conventional fossil fuel systems and renewable options.
These are among the topics for discussion at the Maui County Energy Expo 2007, to be held Nov. 7-9 at the Grand Wailea Hotel & Spa. The symposium, titled "Green Power, Green Future," should provide an informative forum of current and proposed energy solutions, conventional fossil fuel systems and renewable options.
Superferry might return in 2 weeks
Posted in Maui news
Legislators approve measure, protesters say they will be back
The state Legislature gave final approval yesterday to a bill allowing the Hawaii Superferry to sail while an environmental study is completed.
Gov. Linda Lingle is expected to sign it, and the Superferry's top executive says he is hopeful the service can be running again by Nov. 15.
Superferry Chief Executive Officer John Garibaldi says there still are some procedural hurdles to overcome, but the company will immediately begin work on its restart plan.
A Kauai protest leader said his group expects the bill will result in more crowds and more protesters when the Superferry returns to the neighbor islands.
The state Legislature gave final approval yesterday to a bill allowing the Hawaii Superferry to sail while an environmental study is completed.
Gov. Linda Lingle is expected to sign it, and the Superferry's top executive says he is hopeful the service can be running again by Nov. 15.
Superferry Chief Executive Officer John Garibaldi says there still are some procedural hurdles to overcome, but the company will immediately begin work on its restart plan.
A Kauai protest leader said his group expects the bill will result in more crowds and more protesters when the Superferry returns to the neighbor islands.